Hardik Pandya’s ODI Comeback Delayed? Gambhir Sets Out India’s Fitness Priority

Hardik Pandya’s return to India’s ODI setup will depend on one crucial box being ticked , his ability to bowl a full 10-over spell. Head coach Gautam Gambhir has made it clear that India will not rush the star all-rounder back into international cricket until he is ready to shoulder the demands of the 50-over format.

“Hardik Pandya cannot bowl 10 overs at the moment. We don't want to rush him into international cricket. When he is fit, there is a possibility of both he and Nitish playing,” Gambhir said after India completed a 3-0 T20I series sweep over Afghanistan on Thursday.

The message is significant because Pandya's value to India in ODI cricket goes beyond his batting. His ability to provide a genuine seam-bowling option gives the team greater flexibility in balancing its playing XI.

Pandya has been included in the India A squad for the three-match one-day series against Australia A in Puducherry, but his selection is subject to fitness clearance. The matches are scheduled for October 6, 9 and 11, giving him a potential competitive platform to demonstrate that he can handle the workload required in 50-over cricket.

The management's cautious approach also reflects the importance of getting Pandya's workload right rather than simply bringing him back because of his reputation. A return as a specialist batter would not offer India the same balance as having him available as a genuine all-rounder.

There could also be room for Nitish Kumar Reddy alongside Pandya once the senior all-rounder is fully fit. Gambhir's comments indicate that India are considering a combination in which both players contribute with bat and ball.

For now, however, Pandya's comeback remains conditional. The immediate challenge is not merely returning to competitive cricket, but proving that his body can withstand the bowling demands of the ODI format.

India's message is clear: Pandya will return when he is ready to perform the complete all-rounder's role, not simply because India needs his name in the XI.